Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1887-12-02
Its proposal I'm considering,
repIied Maud.

topiicu M"uu.
Indeed! That's diversion. How fun
ny the portrait looks. All. II be should
see i'll"
Maud frowned.
I'D like to burn the old thingv'
But you couldn't my love; there >
no fire. thank fortune!"
Listen to this impudence!' cried
Maud. and began to read aloud:
"Mr DEAR Miss MAUD Though | hs W.
known YOU so short time | do not believe
you will lie wholly surprised To learn that
have come To regard you as more than q
friend. In fact have grown to care for you
more than ever cared for any girl almost
believe / can never be happy without ron.
know YOU know that / am gentleman; | even
think you like me little and will soon like
me more. | can offer you n name UPON whose
honor no stain has ever fallen. OF course We
arc both too young for All immediate marriage,
but hope that some day we may become all
all To each other. / will call TO see you
this afternoon at 3 and hope for AN answer
which will make me happy. Till then aud al
ways Your own
"GopFREY.'"
" Ny dear Miss Maud your own
Godfrey. repeated Miss Fortcscue
"Ah, my child, did not warn thee?
Well. what To- do2"
Maud covered the portrait with an
impetuous movement.
an give the presumptuous youth n
little lesson. she answered. Mr.. McA :
lister "a = he has an evalicd idea of h
powers; that he's been virtually en-
gagged to a lutte girl down at Ia home
for sometime past.
AS = o'clock approached Mr.. God
frey's heart boat with confident exhilar
alton. He meant to show IS friend
McAllster In ne or two. McAllister
had undertaken to remind him of Mabel
Clare. He tossed his head as be re-
membered this. Il guess there amt
many girls but would Ike glad of "a
chance at me- q" he said. ~ he set out
for Miss Sattellee's studio. He expect
ed shat Maud would be shy at first
But gradually she would come around.
He purchased large bunch of roses a,
he proceeded on his way.
Maud was alone-apparenilc. She
smiled and took the roses with many
thanks.
pray sit down." she said. You
look quite warm"
Mr.. Godfrey drew up a chair.
lyon received nv note?'
Your noteP Oh, yes, of course"
And what did you think of the
idea?' he queried. with delightful sell
complacency.
What did l thinkP Why, of course,
| thought you meant it rs a joke. I'm
sure hope YOU did, because you know,
or rather YOU ought TO know. though.
perhaps. Won don't know. aud I'm sure
Id feel dreadful if / thought YOU d
been led to supposc-thc truth il. Mr..
Wa ne. I'm engaged to a gentleman
who is now in Europer'
Godfrey turned pale.
"Engaged!' he cried. tragically.
"Why. for that matter. so am |. Bat
Id break any engagement for you!
Maud arose. looking very grave.
Il am sorry TO hear you say so.
have heard 40 much about southern
honor"
But YOU won't dec de ut once he
stammercd. Promise me 10 think il
over.
Nj - Maud regarded him cOldly.
You must have misunderstood me.
There is nothing further to be said. and
will You please excuse me?" She
turned toward the other room. aud
Godfrey had no choice but to leave He
was m such state of mind between
/ disappointment and chagrin that he left
his hat upon the sofa and went bare
headed all the way down the street
He had gone half n block when he
scovered why people were staring at
him. Then--could he go backh Oh.
no! And yet the hat was new. and
Godfrey was just little close about un-
necessary expense. He therefore re-
turned and climbed the stairs softly.
hoping she might st II be in the inner
room and would not hear him enter.
But us he reached the threshold #
the studio he was greeted with an
astonishing sight Not only Maud, but
also Miss Fortescue had emerged from
the inner room; they apparently were
taking great pleasure in regarding a
picture upon the easel. which had been
moved from its customary position.
They stood with their backs to the
door.
"An excellent likeness said Miss
Fortescus. and tho two young ladies
laughed heartily.
Il might pity him" said Maud. iii
be weren't so capable of pitying-no.
adoring himself"
Just then they moved little. and
Godfrey caught a glimpse of his own
portrait ragged. hated. flannel gar